A recently published Health Technology Assessment (HTA) from Sweden sheds light on an emerging approach to reprocessing flexible ENT endoscopes using ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light. In clinical settings where time, space, and resources are limited, this method is gaining attention as a potential alternative to traditional washer-disinfectors.
The report, produced by HTA syd in Region Skåne, evaluates UV-C disinfection after manual pre-cleaning and compares it to the current standard practice of thermal disinfection in washer-disinfectors. The key finding is that UV-C light may deliver slightly better microbial reduction while significantly reducing cost and infrastructure demands.
A Time-Saver With Real Impact
ENT clinics in Sweden are busy. According to the report, more than 11,000 procedures with flexible channel-less endoscopes were performed at ENT units in Region Skåneduring 2024. These instruments require quick turnaround to ensure availability throughout the day.
With traditional reprocessing, the time from cleaning to drying ranges between 40 and 47 minutes per endoscope, without taking into account transportation times or delays due to waiting for a full batch to begin cleaning. In contrast, UV-C disinfection takes approximately 5 to 6 minutes in total, taking into account all step of the reprocessing process. That reduction in turnaround time allows clinics to work more efficiently.
This time saving also brings financial advantages. Fewer endoscopes are needed in rotation. Each endoscope costs between SEK 100,000 and 300,000 (approximately €8,700 to €26,100), meaning that even a modest reduction in required inventory can translate into significant savings.
Effective Enough?
The HTA included two randomized controlled trials from the Netherlands, both comparing UV-C cabinets with washer-disinfectors. The main outcome studied was bacterial reduction. UV-C achieved a slightly higher rate of endoscopes free from contamination, proving its safety.
Economic Benefits Are Significant
The financial implications are clear.
At the ENT clinic in Lund, continuing with the current setup, including manual sinks, washer-disinfectors, and drying cabinets, comes at an annual cost of approximately SEK 2.4 million (around €208,700). A transition to four UV-C cabinets would reduce this to around SEK 800,000 (approximately €69,600) annually.
This brings the cost per procedure down from roughly SEK 600 (€52) to SEK 200 (€17), and the annual cost associated with reprocessing each endoscope from SEK 53,000 (€4,600) to SEK 18,000 (€1,565). In both cases, a reduction of over 65 percent.
Simpler Infrastructure, Easier Integration
Unlike traditional setups, UV-C cabinets do not require plumbing, drainage, or chemical waste management. Their compact design makes them ideal for outpatient clinics or practices where space is limited.
In Ystad, the ENT clinic has already implemented UV-C disinfection for over a year, using manual leak testing and surface cleaning beforehand. According to the report, the integration has been smooth, and the process is easy to manage.
Conclusion
The findings from Region Skåne’s HTA report highlight a growing recognition of UV-C disinfection as a practical, efficient alternative for ENT endoscope reprocessing. With significantly shorter turnaround times, lower costs, and reduced infrastructure demands, the case for UV-C is becoming harder to ignore. You can find the report in Swedish here.
The UV Smart D60 has been developed with exactly these needs in mind. It provides rapid, validated disinfection of flexible endoscopes without channels in just 60 seconds, helping clinics improve availability, reduce inventory pressure, and operate more efficiently, even in settings with limited space.
As ENT departments continue to face high patient volumes and increasing hygiene demands, the D60 offers a reliable, future-ready approach to reprocessing. Learn more about the D60 here.
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